city overview

milan, italy's pulsating financial and fashion heartbeat, stands at the forefront of urban sustainability and innovation. this historical metropolis, not only famed for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels but also for its vigorous strides towards a zero waste future, is setting a compelling example for cities worldwide. embracing the ethos of the circular economy and waste reduction, milan is pioneering initiatives that inspire both residents and visitors to rethink, reduce, and rejuvenate.

fun facts

- milan leads in italy's recycling efforts, boasting an impressive waste diversion rate, highlighting the community's commitment to sustainability.

- the city is home to the first food waste policy in italy, which has significantly reduced food waste while supporting food recovery for the needy, illustrating a powerful model of social and environmental synergy.

- milan hosts a myriad of repair cafes and workshops, encouraging the repair and reuse of items, from electronics to clothing, fostering a culture of sustainability and skill-sharing.

- the fashion capital is also at the vanguard of sustainable fashion, with numerous initiatives aimed at promoting eco-friendly materials and reducing the industry's carbon footprint.

- in the spirit of fostering a circular economy, milan has implemented urban furniture recycling programs, transforming old and unused materials into beautiful, functional public spaces.

- the city has launched several zero waste shops, where consumers can buy bulk products to minimize packaging waste, further cementing its commitment to a sustainable future.

- milan's ambitious urban greenery projects aim to increase green spaces, combat urban heat, and enhance biodiversity, contributing to the overall well-being of its inhabitants and the planet.

through these efforts and more, milan is not just dreaming of a zero waste future but actively constructing it, inviting all who live in and visit the city to partake in a more sustainable, circular way of life.

sustainability snapshot

city accomplishments & objectives:

milan has been recognized as a trailblazer in urban sustainability, particularly in its commitment to the principles of zero waste and the circular economy. the city has implemented the ambitious "milan food waste policy," which has significantly reduced food waste and has been emulated by other cities. this initiative focuses on the recovery of surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants, diverting waste from landfills and feeding the hungry.

in terms of repair initiatives, milan has encouraged the growth of repair cafes and workshops where citizens can bring their broken items for repair rather than discarding them. by emphasizing the value of repair and maintenance, the city aims to extend the life cycle of products and reduce the waste generated.

milan is also investing in circular economy strategies through its support for sustainable fashion and design. the city, a global fashion capital, is fostering innovation in textile recycling and promoting the use of sustainable materials among local designers.

notable achievements:

- successful reduction of organic waste through city-wide composting programs.

- establishment of the milan urban food policy pact, signed by over 200 cities worldwide.

- launch of the "circular milan" project to integrate circular economy principles across various sectors.

- support for local markets and businesses that use and sell recycled, upcycled, and repurposed goods.

ongoing projects:

- development of a city-wide platform for sharing and repairing goods, aimed at reducing consumption and waste.

- expansion of the bike-sharing and car-sharing programs to decrease transportation emissions and the need for personal vehicle production.

- enhancement of green public spaces that implement sustainable waste management practices, such as composting in parks and community gardens.

future goals:

- to achieve a 50% reduction in waste sent to landfills by 2030.

- to increase the repairability and lifespan of consumer goods through local policies and incentives.

- to foster a local circular economy network that connects businesses, consumers, and waste management services.

waste statistics:

- percentage of waste diverted from landfills: approximately 55% as of the last report.

- per capita waste generation: around 500 kg/person/year, with a reduction trend thanks to awareness campaigns and zero waste initiatives.

- recycling rate: the city has a goal to surpass the current rate of about 50% and continue to improve with new programs and technologies.

- number of active repair and reuse centers: over 30 dedicated spaces, with plans to expand.

milan's ongoing efforts in sustainability, waste reduction, and circular economy practices serve as a model for other cities. the city continuously seeks to innovate and improve upon its sustainability initiatives, with a strong commitment to community involvement and education as key components in achieving its zero waste and circular economy goals.